Waterproofing Your Floors in 6 Simple Steps

Many homeowners would agree that water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to any part of the home. The cost of repairs alone can be staggering. Unfortunately, water damage is unlikely to be prevented entirely. An alternative to paying for hefty repairs is waterproofing. There are some flooring materials that are naturally waterproof such as karndean flooring which you can get from https://www.ibflooring.com/karndean/. However, if you want to take the extra precaution or prefer to use flooring that is not naturally waterproof, there is certainly a way you can prevent moisture from damaging your floors.

Waterproofing Process

The process which will be explained in detail in this article works for most types of flooring.

Step 1

Start with the base foundation since it will help protect the entire structure from damage. Details on how to waterproof wood will also be discussed. This is a great way to protect wood floors in case you want to use it on bathroom and kitchen floors. Here are the materials you’ll need:

Primer

Silicone

Waterproof agent

Waterproofing membrane

Paint roller or brush

Paint roller tray

Knife

Caulking gun

Vacuum or dust mop

Protective gear

Step 2

Clean the area. The first and most important step to waterproofing is cleaning the area. If there is any leftover dirt on the floor, the sealer will trap it indefinitely on the surface of the floor. You can use a dry mop or vacuum to clean the floor thoroughly. If you have wood floors, you must also sand and clean the area before starting the waterproofing process. Make sure that the room is well ventilated. Experts also advise to waterproof floors during warm, dry weather.

Step 3

Use a paint or roller brush to apply the primer. An epoxy, water-based primer is best for this application. Make sure that primer is evenly and thoroughly applied. Let the primer dry for at least four hours.

Step 4

Once the primer has dried, you can start applying silicone on the cracks. The silicone will seal the gaps between the wall and the floor as well as other cracks. Use a caulking gun to apply the silicone. Scrape off any excess silicone with a paint scraper and allow the primer and silicone to dry completely for 24 hours.

Step 5

Apply the first coat of waterproofing. Apply the waterproofing agent using a paint roller or brush. If you are waterproofing wood, you’ll have to use a urethane waterproof sealer. This helps preserve the natural shine of wood floors.

Step 6

Apply a second coat of waterproofing agent after allowing the first coat to completely dry for a day. Once again, allow this to dry completely for 24 hours.

This process is the best way you can waterproof your floors. As an alternative, you can opt for naturally waterproof flooring such as vinyl. Not only is this option more cost-effective, it is also easier to install and a breeze to maintain.